Fairaction
Research Publications
Advancing Water Sustainability with Smart Water Management Systems and Resilient Infrastructure
Our research directly contributes to the development and enhancement of Fairaction’s Water Project Delivery Framework. Each publication below offers insights and methodologies that underpin our approach to creating sustainable water solutions. Explore these works to understand the science and innovation driving our projects.
Authors: Oluwagbemi Samuel Adeoti, Jaya Kandasamy and Saravanamuthu Vigneswaran
Publication Date: 2023/11/1
Source: Water Policy
Pages: 1094-1111
Publisher: IWA Publishing
Abstract:
Using the PRISMA method, this systematic literature review synthesized findings from 15 studies to elucidate the key factors contributing to water infrastructure failure in Nigeria and propose evidence-based sustainable solutions. The study identified technical, financial, environmental, social, political, and institutional factors as predominant challenges in achieving water infrastructure sustainability. In response to these challenges, the researcher proposes a comprehensive ‘Sustainability Framework for Water Infrastructure’. This framework is designed to guide every stage of water infrastructure development, starting from pre-construction with an emphasis on inclusive project planning, followed by the construction phase where suitable techniques are utilized, and extending to the post-construction stage, focusing on efficient monitoring and management mechanisms. The study highlights the complexity of water infrastructure sustainability in Nigeria and underscores the urgent need for a structured and comprehensive approach to address this pressing issue.
Read the full paper: https://doi.org/10.2166/wp.2023.173
Authors: Oluwagbemi Samuel Adeoti, Jaya Kandasamy and Saravanamuthu Vigneswaran
Publication Date: 2024/6/1
Journal: Water Supply
Volume: 24
Issue: 6
Pages: 2066-2076
Publisher: IWA Publishing
Abstract:
Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6.1 – universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water – is a critical global challenge. This study contributes to this aim by analyzing the functionality and sustainability of rural water boreholes in Nigeria. It employs GIS mapping, Spearman’s rho correlation analysis, and interviews across 1,696 communities to investigate borehole failure dynamics, the impact of multidimensional poverty index (MPI) on water access, technical failure causes, and the influence of ownership on functionality. Findings show that while 49.8% of communities lack improved water sources, 25.5 benefit from functional boreholes, and 24.5 grapple with failures. This study reveals a complex relationship between MPI and water access, with community ownership associated with better functionality. Consequently, the study proposes holistic strategies, emphasizing community mapping and smart infrastructure, to enhance water system sustainability. Although the study is centered in Nigeria, its insights are applicable to regions with similar socio-economic conditions, con- tributing to the global pursuit of sustainable water access in alignment with SDG 6.1.
Read the full paper: https://doi.org/10.2166/ws.2024.127
Authors: Oluwagbemi Samuel Adeoti, Jaya Kandasamy, Saravanamuthu Vigneswaran
Publication Date: 2024/8/1
Journal: Water Supply
Volume: 24
Issue: 8
Pages: 2933-2945
Publisher: IWA Publishing
Abstract:
This study introduces the Predictive Iterative Sustainability Model (PISM), a tailored framework designed to enhance water infrastructure sustainability evaluations in Nigeria. PISM addresses the lack of localized, adaptable frameworks by integrating three key components: a Viability Rating (VR), a Sustainability Rating (SR), and a conceptual formula within a predictive iterative process. This integrated approach optimizes project evaluation and planning. Empirical data were derived by evaluating responses to a survey with 70 Likert-scale questions covering 265 sustainability challenges. This data was used to assess community viability for sustainable water infrastructure in five Nigerian communities facing significant water poverty. The results reveal VR scores ranging from 63.95 to 67.91%, establishing a benchmark for viability. SR scores, on the other hand, vary substantially from 179 to 424%, illustrating the model’s capacity to evaluate sustainability under diverse conditions and identify critical, high-impact projects that can mitigate infrastructure failure risks. As a dynamic and adaptable framework, PISM holds significant potential to improve water infrastructure sustainability in Nigeria and similar regions globally.
Read the full paper: https://doi.org/10.2166/ws.2024.193
Authors: Oluwagbemi Samuel Adeoti, Rez Haremi, Jaya Kandasamy and Saravanamuthu Vigneswaran
Publication Date: 2025/02/15
Journal: AQUA
Publisher: IWA Publishing
Abstract:
This study rigorously evaluates the effectiveness of smart water management systems in addressing prevalent water infrastructure failures, resilience, and sustainability challenges in Nigeria. Employing a transdisciplinary approach that integrates technological, social, and economic disciplines and industry and community insights, it analyses 1,095 days of operational data from a smart water kiosk. The data were processed employing Target 6.1 software for comprehensive comparative analysis, trend analysis, predictive modeling, and impact assessment. Initially, the kiosk achieved a 22% self-sustainability rating (SSR), which dropped to zero due to aid overlap– a novel challenge documented for the first time in the literature as a significant challenge to infrastructure sustainability. Additionally, the research highlighted infrastructure underutilization as a critical yet under-explored issue. Despite these challenges, the kiosk ultimately achieved a 100% sustainability rating (SR) with external support and maintained a high-reliability rating of 97.1%. The findings of this study guide strategic research and policy recommendations, aiming to optimize the deployment of smart water management systems in Nigeria and other regions with similar socio-economic settings, thereby enriching the global discourse on sustainable water infrastructure.
Read the full paper: https://doi.org/10.2166/aqua.2025.291
Our Research Team: Experts in Water Sustainability and Infrastructure
Director, Centre for Technologies in Water and Wastewater; Professor of Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney.
Specialist in computational hydraulics, renowned for his expertise and educational courses in HEC-RAS, both in Australia and internationally.
Environmental Engineering expert focused on enhancing the resilience and sustainability of water infrastructure systems.
Transdisciplinary Researcher dedicated to achieving Clean Water for all through innovative Research and Development, bridging academic and industry practices.
Become a PhD researcher under our industry doctorate partnership with the University of Technology Sydney. Email your research proposal to ResearchandDevelopment@fairaction.ngo and contribute your expertise to help achieve clean water for all while advancing your academic and professional career.